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Nanomaterials
Volume 14
Issue 24
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Nanomaterials, Volume 14, Issue 24 (December-2 2024) – 79 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): In this report, we describe the action of pleozymes, pleiotropic nanoparticles that facilitate multiple chemical reactions, on the blend of metabolic fuels used in cells. Pleozymes hold potential in correcting metabolic diseases by enhancing metabolic flexibility. By oxidizing NADH, pleozymes increase the consumption of fatty acids, which increases the production of ATP and lactate, a useful metabolic fuel in the brain through a malate-mediated pathway. Moreover, despite consuming NADH, NADH is also produced through this system. The metabolic shift created by pleozymes is part of regulating the larger molecular machine of cellular metabolism. View this paper
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14 pages, 1788 KiB  
Article
Charge Transfer Mechanism in Type II WO3/Cu2O Heterostructure
by Anna A. Murashkina, Aida V. Rudakova, Tair V. Bakiev, Alexei V. Emeline and Detlef W. Bahnemann
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2057; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242057 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 394
Abstract
In this study, we explore the charge transfer mechanism between WO3 and Cu2O in heterostructured WO3/Cu2O electrodes and in a WO3||Cu2O tandem photoelectrochemical cell. The physical–chemical characterizations of the individual WO3 [...] Read more.
In this study, we explore the charge transfer mechanism between WO3 and Cu2O in heterostructured WO3/Cu2O electrodes and in a WO3||Cu2O tandem photoelectrochemical cell. The physical–chemical characterizations of the individual WO3 and Cu2O electrodes and the heterostructured WO3/Cu2O electrode by XRD, XPS, and SEM methods confirm the successful formation of the target systems. The results of photoelectrochemical studies infer that in both the heterostructured WO3/Cu2O electrode and WO3||Cu2O tandem photoelectrochemical cell, the major mechanism of charge transfer between WO3 and Cu2O is a realization of the Z-scheme. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices)
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19 pages, 3781 KiB  
Article
Constructing Dynamical Symmetries for Quantum Computing: Applications to Coherent Dynamics in Coupled Quantum Dots
by James R. Hamilton, Raphael D. Levine and Francoise Remacle
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2056; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242056 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 483
Abstract
Dynamical symmetries, time-dependent operators that almost commute with the Hamiltonian, extend the role of ordinary symmetries. Motivated by progress in quantum technologies, we illustrate a practical algebraic approach to computing such time-dependent operators. Explicitly we expand them as a linear combination of time-independent [...] Read more.
Dynamical symmetries, time-dependent operators that almost commute with the Hamiltonian, extend the role of ordinary symmetries. Motivated by progress in quantum technologies, we illustrate a practical algebraic approach to computing such time-dependent operators. Explicitly we expand them as a linear combination of time-independent operators with time-dependent coefficients. There are possible applications to the dynamics of systems of coupled coherent two-state systems, such as qubits, pumped by optical excitation and other addressing inputs. Thereby, the interaction of the system with the excitation is bilinear in the coherence between the two states and in the strength of the time-dependent excitation. The total Hamiltonian is a sum of such bilinear terms and of terms linear in the populations. The terms in the Hamiltonian form a basis for Lie algebra, which can be represented as coupled individual two-state systems, each using the population and the coherence between two states. Using the factorization approach of Wei and Norman, we construct a unitary quantum mechanical evolution operator that is a factored contribution of individual two-state systems. By that one can accurately propagate both the wave function and the density matrix with special relevance to quantum computing based on qubit architecture. Explicit examples are derived for the electronic dynamics in coupled semi-conducting nanoparticles that can be used as hardware for quantum technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Computing and Nanomaterial Simulations)
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11 pages, 5362 KiB  
Article
Carbon Felts Uniformly Modified with Bismuth Nanoparticles for Efficient Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
by Huishan Chen, Sen Li, Yongxin Zhao, Xinyue Li, Hui Zhao, Longzhen Cheng, Renting Li and Pengcheng Dai
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2055; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242055 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 592
Abstract
The integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the energy supply has driven the need for large-scale energy storage technologies. Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are considered promising due to their long lifespan, high safety, and flexible design. However, the graphite felt (GF) [...] Read more.
The integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the energy supply has driven the need for large-scale energy storage technologies. Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are considered promising due to their long lifespan, high safety, and flexible design. However, the graphite felt (GF) electrode, a critical component of VRFBs, faces challenges due to the scarcity of active sites, leading to low electrochemical activity. Herein, we developed a bismuth nanoparticle uniformly modified graphite felt (Bi-GF) electrode using a bismuth oxide-mediated hydrothermal pyrolysis method. The Bi-GF electrode demonstrated significantly improved electrochemical performance, with higher peak current densities and lower charge transfer resistance than those of the pristine GF. VRFBs utilizing Bi-GF electrodes achieved a charge-discharge capacity exceeding 700 mAh at 200 mA/cm2, with a voltage efficiency above 84%, an energy efficiency of 83.05%, and an electrolyte utilization rate exceeding 70%. This work provides new insights into the design and development of efficient electrodes, which is of great significance for improving the efficiency and reducing the cost of VRFBs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Application of Nanoscale Materials in Batteries, Sensors and Supercapacitors (2nd Edition))
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15 pages, 8375 KiB  
Article
Nanodots of Transition Metal Sulfides, Carbonates, and Oxides Obtained Through Spontaneous Co-Precipitation with Silica
by Bastian Rödig, Diana Funkner, Thomas Frank, Ulrich Schürmann, Julian Rieder, Lorenz Kienle, Werner Kunz and Matthias Kellermeier
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242054 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 649
Abstract
The controlled formation and stabilization of nanoparticles is of fundamental relevance for materials science and key to many modern technologies. Common synthetic strategies to arrest growth at small sizes and prevent undesired particle agglomeration often rely on the use of organic additives and [...] Read more.
The controlled formation and stabilization of nanoparticles is of fundamental relevance for materials science and key to many modern technologies. Common synthetic strategies to arrest growth at small sizes and prevent undesired particle agglomeration often rely on the use of organic additives and require non-aqueous media and/or high temperatures, all of which appear critical with respect to production costs, safety, and sustainability. In the present work, we demonstrate a simple one-pot process in water under ambient conditions that can produce particles of various transition metal carbonates and sulfides with sizes of only a few nanometers embedded in a silica shell, similar to particles derived from more elaborate synthesis routes, like the sol–gel process. To this end, solutions of soluble salts of metal cations (e.g., chlorides) and the respective anions (e.g., sodium carbonate or sulfide) are mixed in the presence of different amounts of sodium silicate at elevated pH levels. Upon mixing, metal carbonate/sulfide particles nucleate, and their subsequent growth causes a sensible decrease of pH in the vicinity. Dissolved silicate species respond to this local acidification by condensation reactions, which eventually lead to the formation of amorphous silica layers that encapsulate the metal carbonate/sulfide cores and, thus, effectively inhibit any further growth. The as-obtained carbonate nanodots can readily be converted into the corresponding metal oxides by secondary thermal treatment, during which their nanometric size is maintained. Although the described method clearly requires optimization towards actual applications, the results of this study highlight the potential of bottom-up self-assembly for the synthesis of functional nanoparticles at mild conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Materials and Metal-Organic Frameworks)
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17 pages, 4749 KiB  
Article
Selective O2/N2 Separation Using Grazyne Membranes: A Computational Approach Combining Density Functional Theory and Molecular Dynamics
by Adrià Calzada, Francesc Viñes and Pablo Gamallo
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2053; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242053 - 22 Dec 2024
Viewed by 545
Abstract
The separation of oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) from air is a process of utmost importance nowadays, as both species are vital for numerous fundamental processes essential for our development. Membranes designed for their selective molecule separation have become [...] Read more.
The separation of oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) from air is a process of utmost importance nowadays, as both species are vital for numerous fundamental processes essential for our development. Membranes designed for their selective molecule separation have become the materials of choice for researchers, primarily due to their ease of use. The present study proposes grazynes, 2D carbon-based materials consisting of sp and sp2 C atoms, as suitable membranes for separating O2 and N2 from air. By combining static density functional theory (DFT) calculations with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we address this issue through a comprehensive examination of the thermodynamic, kinetic, and dynamic aspects of the molecular diffusions across the nano-engineered pores of grazynes. The studied grazyne structures have demonstrated the ability to physisorb both O2 and N2, preventing material saturation, with diffusion rates exceeding 1 s−1 across a temperature range of 100–500 K. Moreover, they exhibit a selectivity of ca. 2 towards O2 at 300 K. Indeed, MD simulations with equimolar mixtures of O2:N2 indicated a selectivity towards O2 in both grazynes with ca. twice as many O2 filtered molecules in the [1],[2]{2}-grazyne and with O2 representing ca. 88% of the filtered gas in the [1],[2]{(0,0),2}-grazyne. [1],[2]{2}-grazyne shows higher permeability for both molecules compared to the other grazyne, with O₂ demonstrating particularly enhanced diffusion capacity across both membranes. Further MD simulations incorporating CO2 and Ar confirm O2 enrichment, particularly with [1],[2]{(0,0),2}-grazyne, which increased the presence of O2 in the filtered mixture by 26% with no evidence of CO2 molecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Graphene-Like Nanomaterials: Simulation, Preparation, Characterization and Applications)
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13 pages, 3253 KiB  
Article
Effects of Au Addition on the Performance of Thermal Electronic Noses Based on Porous Cu2O–SnO2 Nanospheres
by Matteo Tonezzer, Taro Ueda, Soichiro Torai, Koki Fujita, Yasuhiro Shimizu and Takeo Hyodo
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2052; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242052 - 22 Dec 2024
Viewed by 541
Abstract
The electronic nose is an increasingly useful tool in many fields and applications. Our thermal electronic nose approach, based on nanostructured metal oxide chemiresistors in a thermal gradient, has the advantage of being tiny and therefore integrable in portable and wearable devices. Obviously, [...] Read more.
The electronic nose is an increasingly useful tool in many fields and applications. Our thermal electronic nose approach, based on nanostructured metal oxide chemiresistors in a thermal gradient, has the advantage of being tiny and therefore integrable in portable and wearable devices. Obviously, a wise choice of the nanomaterial is crucial for the device’s performance and should therefore be carefully considered. Here we show how the addition of different amounts of Au (between 1 and 5 wt%) on Cu2O–SnO2 nanospheres affects the thermal electronic nose performance. Interestingly, the best performance is not achieved with the material offering the highest intrinsic selectivity. This confirms the importance of specific studies, since the performance of chemoresistive gas sensors does not linearly affect the performance of the electronic nose. By optimizing the amount of Au, the device achieved a perfect classification of the tested gases (acetone, ethanol, and toluene) and a good concentration estimation (with a mean absolute percentage error around 16%). These performances, combined with potentially smaller dimensions of less than 0.5 mm2, make this thermal electronic nose an ideal candidate for numerous applications, such as in the agri-food, environmental, and biomedical sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology)
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36 pages, 8819 KiB  
Review
Harnessing Radiation for Nanotechnology: A Comprehensive Review of Techniques, Innovations, and Application
by Mobinul Islam, Md. Shahriar Ahmed, Sua Yun, Hae-Yong Kim and Kyung-Wan Nam
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2051; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242051 - 21 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1297
Abstract
Nanomaterial properties such as size, structure, and composition can be controlled by manipulating radiation, such as gamma rays, X-rays, and electron beams. This control allows scientists to create materials with desired properties that can be used in a wide range of applications, from [...] Read more.
Nanomaterial properties such as size, structure, and composition can be controlled by manipulating radiation, such as gamma rays, X-rays, and electron beams. This control allows scientists to create materials with desired properties that can be used in a wide range of applications, from electronics to medicine. This use of radiation for nanotechnology is revolutionizing the way we design and manufacture materials. Additionally, radiation-induced nanomaterials are more cost effective and energy efficient. This technology is also having a positive impact on the environment, as materials are being produced with fewer emissions, less energy, and less waste. This cutting-edge technology is opening up new possibilities and has become an attractive option for many industries, from medical advancements to energy storage. It is also helping to make the world a better place by reducing our carbon footprint and preserving natural resources. This review aims to meticulously point out the synthesis approach and highlights significant progress in generating radiation-induced nanomaterials with tunable and complex morphologies. This comprehensive review article is essential for researchers to design innovative materials for advancements in health care, electronics, energy storage, and environmental remediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radiation Technology in Nanomaterials)
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11 pages, 10684 KiB  
Article
Effect of Bias Voltage on the Microstructure and Photoelectric Properties of W-Doped ZnO Films
by Haijuan Mei, Wanli Wang, Junfeng Zhao, Weilong Zhong, Muyi Qiu, Jiayang Xu, Kailin Gao, Ge Liu, Jianchu Liang and Weiping Gong
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2050; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242050 - 21 Dec 2024
Viewed by 582
Abstract
W-doped ZnO (WZO) films were deposited on glass substrates by using RF magnetron sputtering at different substrate bias voltages, and the relationships between microstructure and optical and electrical properties were investigated. The results revealed that the deposition rate of WZO films first decreased [...] Read more.
W-doped ZnO (WZO) films were deposited on glass substrates by using RF magnetron sputtering at different substrate bias voltages, and the relationships between microstructure and optical and electrical properties were investigated. The results revealed that the deposition rate of WZO films first decreased from 8.8 to 7.1 nm/min, and then increased to 11.5 nm/min with the increase in bias voltage. After applying a bias voltage to the substrate, the bombardment effect of sputtered ions was enhanced, and the films transformed from a smooth surface into a compact and rough surface. All the films exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a strong (002) preferred orientation and grew along the c-axis direction. When the bias voltage increased, both the residual stress and lattice parameter of the films gradually increased, and the maximum grain size of 43.4 nm was achieved at −100 V. When the bias voltage was below −300 V, all the films exhibited a high average transmittance of ~90% in the visible light region. As the bias voltage increased, the sheet resistance and resistivity of the films initially decreased and then gradually increased. The highest FOM of 5.8 × 10−4 Ω−1 was achieved at −100 V, possessing the best comprehensive photoelectric properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Applications of Heterogeneous Nanostructured Materials)
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2 pages, 158 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial for Special Issue: “Thin Films Based on Nanocomposites (2nd Edition)”
by Marcela Socol and Nicoleta Preda
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2049; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242049 - 21 Dec 2024
Viewed by 483
Abstract
The continuous demand for multifunctional materials in industrial applications has driven the design of nanocomposites with new or enhanced properties [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thin Films Based on Nanocomposites (2nd Edition))
19 pages, 6653 KiB  
Article
Engineering n-Type and p-Type BiOI Nanosheets: Influence of Mannitol on Semiconductor Behavior and Photocatalytic Activity
by Shuo Yang, Wenhui Li, Kaiyue Li, Ping Huang, Yuquan Zhuo, Keyan Liu, Ziwen Yang and Donglai Han
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2048; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242048 - 21 Dec 2024
Viewed by 678
Abstract
Photocatalytic technology holds significant promise for sustainable development and environmental protection due to its ability to utilize renewable energy sources and degrade pollutants efficiently. In this study, BiOI nanosheets (NSs) were synthesized using a simple water bath method with varying amounts of mannitol [...] Read more.
Photocatalytic technology holds significant promise for sustainable development and environmental protection due to its ability to utilize renewable energy sources and degrade pollutants efficiently. In this study, BiOI nanosheets (NSs) were synthesized using a simple water bath method with varying amounts of mannitol and reaction temperatures to investigate their structural, morphological, photoelectronic, and photocatalytic properties. Notably, the introduction of mannitol played a critical role in inducing a transition in BiOI from an n-type to a p-type semiconductor, as evidenced by Mott–Schottky (M-S) and band structure analyses. This transformation enhanced the density of holes (h+) as primary charge carriers and resulted in the most negative conduction band (CB) position (−0.822 V vs. NHE), which facilitated the generation of superoxide radicals (·O2−) and enhanced photocatalytic activity. Among the samples, the BiOI-0.25-60 NSs (synthesized with 0.25 g of mannitol at 60 °C) exhibited the highest performance, characterized by the largest specific surface area (24.46 m2/g), optimal band gap energy (2.28 eV), and efficient photogenerated charge separation. Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that BiOI-0.25-60 NSs achieved superior methylene blue (MB) degradation efficiency of 96.5% under simulated sunlight, 1.14 times higher than BiOI-0-70 NSs. Additionally, BiOI-0.25-60 NSs effectively degraded tetracycline (TC), 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-D), and rhodamine B (Rh B). Key factors such as photocatalyst concentration, MB concentration, and solution pH were analyzed, and the BiOI-0.25-60 NSs demonstrated excellent recyclability, retaining over 94.3% of their activity after three cycles. Scavenger tests further identified ·O2− and h+ as the dominant active species driving the photocatalytic process. In this study, the pivotal role of mannitol in modulating the semiconductor characteristics of BiOI nanomaterials is underscored, particularly in promoting the n-type to p-type transition and enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. These findings provide a valuable strategy for designing high-performance p-type photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Synthesis, Interfaces and Nanostructures)
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14 pages, 2267 KiB  
Article
Pressure-Induced Assembly of Organic Phase-Change Materials Hybridized with Expanded Graphite and Carbon Nanotubes for Direct Solar Thermal Harvesting and Thermoelectric Conversion
by Jie Ji, Yizhe Liu, Xiaoxiang Li, Yangzhe Xu, Ting Hu, Zhengzheng Li, Peng Tao and Tao Deng
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2047; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242047 - 21 Dec 2024
Viewed by 633
Abstract
Direct harvesting of abundant solar thermal energy within organic phase-change materials (PCMs) has emerged as a promising way to overcome the intermittency of renewable solar energy and pursue high-efficiency heating-related applications. Organic PCMs, however, generally suffer from several common shortcomings including melting-induced leakage, [...] Read more.
Direct harvesting of abundant solar thermal energy within organic phase-change materials (PCMs) has emerged as a promising way to overcome the intermittency of renewable solar energy and pursue high-efficiency heating-related applications. Organic PCMs, however, generally suffer from several common shortcomings including melting-induced leakage, poor solar absorption, and low thermal conductivity. Compounding organic PCMs with single-component carbon materials faces the difficulty in achieving optimized comprehensive performance enhancement. Herein, this work reports the employment of hybrid expanded graphite (EG) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to simultaneously realize leakage-proofness, high solar absorptance, high thermal conductivity, and large latent heat storage capacity. The PCM composites were prepared by directly mixing commercial high-temperature paraffin (HPA) powders, EG, and CNTs, followed by subsequent mechanical compression molding. The HPA-EG composites loaded with 20 wt% of EG could effectively suppress melting-induced leakage. After further compounding with 1 wt% of CNTs, the form-stable HPA-EG20-CNT1 composites achieved an axial and in-plane thermal conductivity of 4.15 W/m K and 18.22 W/m K, and a melting enthalpy of 165.4 J/g, respectively. Through increasing the loading of CNTs to 10 wt% in the top thin layer, we further prepared double-layer HPA-EG-CNT composites, which have a high surface solar absorptance of 92.9% for the direct conversion of concentrated solar illumination into storable latent heat. The charged composites could be combined with a thermoelectric generator to release the stored latent heat and generate electricity, which could power up small electric devices such as light-emitting diodes. This work demonstrates the potential for employing hybrid fillers to optimize the thermophysical properties and solar thermal harvesting performances of organic PCMs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Based Advanced Thermoelectric Design)
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18 pages, 4113 KiB  
Review
Electron Holography for Advanced Characterization of Permanent Magnets: Demagnetization Field Mapping and Enhanced Precision in Phase Analysis
by Sujin Lee
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2046; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242046 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 645
Abstract
This review explores a method of visualizing a demagnetization field (Hd) within a thin-foiled Nd2Fe14B specimen using electron holography observation. Mapping the Hd is critical in electron holography as it provides the only information on [...] Read more.
This review explores a method of visualizing a demagnetization field (Hd) within a thin-foiled Nd2Fe14B specimen using electron holography observation. Mapping the Hd is critical in electron holography as it provides the only information on magnetic flux density. The Hd map within a Nd2Fe14B thin foil, derived from this method, showed good agreement with the micromagnetic simulation result, providing valuable insights related to coercivity. Furthermore, this review examines the application of the wavelet hidden Markov model (WHMM) for noise suppression in thin-foiled Nd2Fe14B crystals. The results show significant suppression of artificial phase jumps in the reconstructed phase images due to the poor visibility of electron holograms under the narrowest fringe spacing required for spatial resolution in electron holography. These techniques substantially enhance the precision of phase analysis and are applicable to a wide range of magnetic materials, enabling more accurate magnetic characterization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Nanomaterials through Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy)
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18 pages, 7153 KiB  
Article
Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicle (OMV)-Encapsulated TiO2 Nanoparticles: A Dual-Action Strategy for Enhanced Radiotherapy and Immunomodulation in Oral Cancer Treatment
by Shun-An Kan, Li-Wen Zhang, Yu-Chi Wang, Cheng-Yu Chiang, Mei-Hsiu Chen, Shih-Hao Huang, Ming-Hong Chen and Tse-Ying Liu
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2045; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242045 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 623
Abstract
Oral squamous-cell carcinoma (OSCC) poses significant treatment challenges due to its high recurrence rates and the limitations of current therapies. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are promising radiosensitizers, while bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are known for their immunomodulatory properties. This study [...] Read more.
Oral squamous-cell carcinoma (OSCC) poses significant treatment challenges due to its high recurrence rates and the limitations of current therapies. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are promising radiosensitizers, while bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are known for their immunomodulatory properties. This study investigates the potential of OMV-encapsulated TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2@OMV) to combine these effects for improved OSCC treatment. TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using a hydrothermal method and encapsulated within OMVs derived from Escherichia coli. The TiO2@OMV carriers were evaluated for their ability to enhance radiosensitivity and stimulate immune responses in OSCC cell lines. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, macrophage recruitment, and selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells were assessed. TiO2@OMV demonstrated significant radiosensitization and immune activation compared to unencapsulated TiO2 nanoparticles. The system selectively induced cytotoxicity in OSCC cells, sparing normal cells, and enhanced ROS generation and macrophage-mediated antitumor responses. This study highlights TiO2@OMV as a dual-action therapeutic platform that synergizes radiotherapy and immunomodulation, offering a targeted and effective strategy for OSCC treatment. The approach could improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce the adverse effects associated with conventional therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biology and Medicines)
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12 pages, 2474 KiB  
Article
Flexible and Stable GaN Piezoelectric Sensor for Motion Monitoring and Fall Warning
by Zhiling Chen, Kun Lv, Renqiang Zhao, Yaxian Lu and Ping Chen
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2044; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242044 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 2690
Abstract
Wearable devices have potential applications in health monitoring and personalized healthcare due to their portability, conformability, and excellent mechanical flexibility. However, their performance is often limited by instability in acidic or basic environments. In this study, a flexible sensor with excellent stability based [...] Read more.
Wearable devices have potential applications in health monitoring and personalized healthcare due to their portability, conformability, and excellent mechanical flexibility. However, their performance is often limited by instability in acidic or basic environments. In this study, a flexible sensor with excellent stability based on a GaN nanoplate was developed through a simple and controllable fabrication process, where the linearity and stability remained at almost 99% of the original performance for 40 days in an air atmosphere. Moreover, perfect stability was also demonstrated in acid–base environments, with pH values ranging from 1 to 13. Based on its excellent stability and piezotronic performance, a flexible device for motion monitoring was developed, capable of detecting motions such as finger, knee, and wrist bending, as well as swallowing. Furthermore, gesture recognition and intelligent fall monitoring were explored based on the bending properties. In addition, an intelligent fall warning system was proposed for the personalized healthcare application of elders by applying machine learning to analyze data collected from typical activities. Our research provides a path for stable and flexible electronics and personalized healthcare applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices)
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12 pages, 5835 KiB  
Article
Formation and Magnetic Properties of Transition Metal Atomic Chains on Monolayer MoS2 Grain Boundaries: A First-Principles Study
by Zhiyuan Li, Shuqing Yang and Yiren Wang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2043; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242043 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 643
Abstract
Magnetic one-dimensional nanostructures show great potential in spintronics and can be used as basic building blocks for magnetic materials and devices with multiple functions. In this study, transition group atomic chains (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) are introduced into nonmagnetic MoS [...] Read more.
Magnetic one-dimensional nanostructures show great potential in spintronics and can be used as basic building blocks for magnetic materials and devices with multiple functions. In this study, transition group atomic chains (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) are introduced into nonmagnetic MoS2 with a 4|8ud-type grain boundary. Based on first-principles calculations, the V atomic chains show good thermodynamic stability and can self-assemble along the grain boundary direction. The formation of V, Cr, Mn, and Ni atomic chains can induce magnetism into a 4|8ud-type MoS2 system through typical d-d and p-d interactions. This joint effect of transition metal doping and grain boundaries on the magnetism of monolayer MoS2 is of great significance for exploring the electromagnetic properties of monolayer MoS2 for the development of electronic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theoretical Calculation Study of Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 26016 KiB  
Article
Electrodeposition of Nanostructured Metals on n-Silicon and Insights into Rhodium Deposition
by Giulio Pappaianni, Francesco Montanari, Marco Bonechi, Giovanni Zangari, Walter Giurlani and Massimo Innocenti
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2042; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242042 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 590
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the electrodeposition of various metals on silicon. Mn, Co, Ni, Ru, Pd, Rh, and Pt were identified as promising candidates for controlled electrodeposition onto silicon. Electrochemical evaluations employing cyclic voltammetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) associated with energy-dispersive X-Ray [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigate the electrodeposition of various metals on silicon. Mn, Co, Ni, Ru, Pd, Rh, and Pt were identified as promising candidates for controlled electrodeposition onto silicon. Electrochemical evaluations employing cyclic voltammetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) associated with energy-dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) techniques confirmed the deposition of Pd, Rh, and Pt as nanoparticles. Multi-cycle charge-controlled depositions were subsequently performed to evaluate the possibility of achieving tunable electrodeposition of nanostructured rhodium on n-doped silicon. The procedure increased surface coverage from 9% to 84%, with the average particle size diameter ranging from 57 nm to 168 nm, and with an equivalent thickness of the deposits up to 43.9 nm, varying the number of charge-controlled deposition cycles. The electrodeposition of rhodium on silicon presents numerous opportunities across various scientific and technological domains, driving innovation and enhancing the performance of devices and materials used in catalysis, electronics, solar cells, fuel cells, and sensing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Integration Technology for More Moore)
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9 pages, 4545 KiB  
Article
Study of Thermalization Mechanisms of Hot Carriers in BABr-Added MAPbBr3 for the Top Layer of Four-Junction Solar Cells
by Yi Zhang, Huilong Chen, Junfeng Qu, Jiayu Zhang and Gavin Conibeer
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2041; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242041 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 636
Abstract
The hot carrier multi-junction solar cell (HCMJC) is an advanced-concept solar cell with a theoretical efficiency greater than 65%. It combines the advantages of hot carrier solar cells and multi-junction solar cells with higher power conversion efficiency (PCE). The thermalization coefficient (Q [...] Read more.
The hot carrier multi-junction solar cell (HCMJC) is an advanced-concept solar cell with a theoretical efficiency greater than 65%. It combines the advantages of hot carrier solar cells and multi-junction solar cells with higher power conversion efficiency (PCE). The thermalization coefficient (Qth) has been shown to slow down by an order of magnitude in low-dimensional structures, which will significantly improve PCE. However, there have been no studies calculating the Qth of MAPbBr3 quantum dots so far. In this work, the Qth values of MAPbBr3 quantum dots and after BABr addition were calculated based on power-dependent steady-state photoluminescence (PD-SSPL). Their peak positions in PD-SSPL increased from 2.37 to 2.71 eV after adding BABr. The fitting shows that, after adding BABr, the Qth decreased from 2.64 ± 0.29 mW·K−1·cm−2 to 2.36 ± 0.25 mW·K−1·cm−2, indicating a lower relaxation rate. This is because BABr passivates surface defects, slowing down the carrier thermalization process. This work lays the foundation for the theoretical framework combining perovskite materials, which suggests that the appropriate passivation of BABr has the potential to further reduce Qth and make MAPbBr3 QDs with BABr modified more suitable as the top absorption layer of HCMJCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optoelectronic Properties of Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Advanced Concept Solar Cells)
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11 pages, 2610 KiB  
Article
Controllable Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Chiral Au Nanoflowers Induced by Cysteine with Excellent Biocompatible Properties
by Shengmiao Liu, Jianhao Zhang and Wenjing Yan
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2040; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242040 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 687
Abstract
Chiral molecules are ubiquitous in nature and biological systems, where the unique optical and physical properties of chiral nanoparticles are closely linked to their shapes. Synthesizing chiral plasmonic nanomaterials with precise structures and tunable sizes is essential for exploring their applications. This study [...] Read more.
Chiral molecules are ubiquitous in nature and biological systems, where the unique optical and physical properties of chiral nanoparticles are closely linked to their shapes. Synthesizing chiral plasmonic nanomaterials with precise structures and tunable sizes is essential for exploring their applications. This study presents a method for growing three-dimensional chiral gold nanoflowers (Au NFs) derived from trisoctahedral (TOH) nanocrystals using D-cysteine and L-cysteine as chiral inducers. By employing a two-step seed-mediated growth approach, stable chiral Au nanoparticles with customizable sizes, shapes, and optical properties were produced by adjusting the Au nanosphere (Au NP) seed concentration and cysteine dosage. These nanoparticles exhibited optical activity in both the visible and near-infrared regions, with a maximum anisotropy factor (g-factor) of 0.024. Furthermore, the PEG-modified chiral Au NFs demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. This approach provides a precise method for geometrically controlling the design of three-dimensional chiral nanomaterials, holding great potential for biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Synthesis of Antibacterial Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications)
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13 pages, 4086 KiB  
Article
Surface Microstructure Enhanced Cryogenic Infrared Light Emitting Diodes for Semiconductor Broadband Upconversion
by Peng Bai, Hanbin Wang, Rongrong Lv, Yi Wang, Yinqiao Li, Shangjie Han, Jiaxuan Cai, Ning Yang, Weidong Chu, Yan Xie, Meng Chen, Yingxin Wang and Ziran Zhao
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2039; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242039 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 574
Abstract
Broadband upconversion has various applications in solar photovoltaic, infrared and terahertz detection imaging, and biomedicine. The low efficiency of the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) limits the broadband upconversion performance. In this paper, we propose to use surface microstructures to enhance the electroluminescence efficiency (ELE) [...] Read more.
Broadband upconversion has various applications in solar photovoltaic, infrared and terahertz detection imaging, and biomedicine. The low efficiency of the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) limits the broadband upconversion performance. In this paper, we propose to use surface microstructures to enhance the electroluminescence efficiency (ELE) of LEDs. Systematical investigations on the cryogenic-temperature performances of microstructure-coupled LEDs, including electroluminescence efficiency, luminescence spectrum, and recombination rate, have been carried out by elaborating their enhancement mechanism and light emitting characteristics both experimentally and theoretically. We have revealed that the reason for the nearly 35% ELE enhancement of the optimized structure under cryogenic temperature and weak injection current is the efficient carrier injection efficiency and the high recombination rate in the active region. We also compare studies of the surface luminescence uniformity of the optimized LED with that of the unoptimized device. This work gives a precise description, and explanation of the performance of the optimized microstructure coupled LED at low temperatures, providing important guidance and inspiration for the optimization of broadband upconverter in the cryogenic temperature region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on Photoelectric Properties and Applications of Nanostructured Materials)
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14 pages, 2036 KiB  
Article
New Label-Free DNA Nanosensor Based on Top-Gated Metal–Ferroelectric–Metal Graphene Nanoribbon on Insulator Field-Effect Transistor: A Quantum Simulation Study
by Khalil Tamersit, Abdellah Kouzou, José Rodriguez and Mohamed Abdelrahem
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2038; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242038 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 519
Abstract
In this paper, a new label-free DNA nanosensor based on a top-gated (TG) metal–ferroelectric–metal (MFM) graphene nanoribbon field-effect transistor (TG-MFM GNRFET) is proposed through a simulation approach. The DNA sensing principle is founded on the dielectric modulation concept. The computational method employed to [...] Read more.
In this paper, a new label-free DNA nanosensor based on a top-gated (TG) metal–ferroelectric–metal (MFM) graphene nanoribbon field-effect transistor (TG-MFM GNRFET) is proposed through a simulation approach. The DNA sensing principle is founded on the dielectric modulation concept. The computational method employed to evaluate the proposed nanobiosensor relies on the coupled solutions of a rigorous quantum simulation with the Landau–Khalatnikov equation, considering ballistic transport conditions. The investigation analyzes the effects of DNA molecules on nanodevice behavior, encompassing potential distribution, ferroelectric-induced gate voltage amplification, transfer characteristics, subthreshold swing, and current ratio. It has been observed that the feature of ferroelectric-induced gate voltage amplification using the integrated MFM structure can significantly enhance the biosensor’s sensitivity to DNA molecules, whether in terms of threshold voltage shift or drain current variation. Additionally, we propose the current ratio as a sensing metric due to its ability to consider all DNA-induced modulations of electrical parameters, specifically the increase in on-state current and the decrease in off-state current and subthreshold swing. The obtained results indicate that the proposed negative-capacitance GNRFET-based DNA nanosensor could be considered an intriguing option for advanced point-of-care testing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Synthesis, Interfaces and Nanostructures)
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19 pages, 4132 KiB  
Article
Exposure to a Titanium Dioxide Product Alters DNA Methylation in Human Cells
by Carlos Wells, Marta Pogribna, Arjun Sharmah, Angel Paredes, Beverly Word, Anil K. Patri, Beverly Lyn-Cook and George Hammons
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2037; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242037 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 654
Abstract
The safety of titanium dioxide (TiO2), widely used in foods and personal care products, has been of ongoing concern. Significant toxicity of TiO2 has been reported, suggesting a risk to human health. To evaluate its potential epigenotoxicity, the effect of [...] Read more.
The safety of titanium dioxide (TiO2), widely used in foods and personal care products, has been of ongoing concern. Significant toxicity of TiO2 has been reported, suggesting a risk to human health. To evaluate its potential epigenotoxicity, the effect of exposure to a TiO2 product to which humans could be exposed on DNA methylation, a primary epigenetic mechanism, was investigated using two human cell lines (Caco-2 (colorectal) and HepG2 (liver)) relevant to human exposure. Global methylation was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based immunochemical analysis. Gene promoter methylation was evaluated using EpiTect Methyl II Signature PCR System Array technology. Expression of DNA methyltransferases, MBD2, and URHF1 was quantified by qRT-PCR. A decrease in global DNA methylation was observed in both cell lines. Across the cell lines, seven genes (BNIP3, DNAJC15, GADD45G, GDF15, INSIG1, SCARA3, and TP53) were identified in which promoters were methylated. Changes in promoter methylation were associated with gene expression. Results also revealed aberrant expression of regulatory genes, DNA methyltransferases, MBD2, and UHRF1. Findings from the study clearly demonstrate the impact of TiO2 exposure on DNA methylation in two cell types, supporting the potential involvement of this epigenetic mechanism in its biological responses. Hence, epigenetic studies are critical for complete assessment of potential risk from exposure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosafety and Nanotoxicology: Current Opportunities and Challenges)
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12 pages, 2570 KiB  
Article
Multifunctional SERS Chip for Biological Application Realized by Double Fano Resonance
by Weile Zhu, Huiyang Wang, Yuheng Wang, Shengde Liu, Jianglei Di and Liyun Zhong
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2036; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242036 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 582
Abstract
The in situ and label-free detection of molecular information in biological cells has always been a challenging problem due to the weak Raman signal of biological molecules. The use of various resonance nanostructures has significantly advanced Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in signal enhancement [...] Read more.
The in situ and label-free detection of molecular information in biological cells has always been a challenging problem due to the weak Raman signal of biological molecules. The use of various resonance nanostructures has significantly advanced Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in signal enhancement in recent years. However, biological cells are often immersed in different formulations of culture medium with varying refractive indexes and are highly sensitive to the temperature of the microenvironment. This necessitates that SERS meets the requirements of refractive index insensitivity, low thermal damage, broadband enhancement, and other needs in addition to signal enhancement. Here, we propose a SERS chip with integrated dual Fano resonance and the corresponding analytical model. This model can be used to quickly lock the parameters and then analyze the performance of the dual resonance SERS chip. The simulation and experimental characterization results demonstrate that the integrated dual Fano resonances have the ability for independent broadband tuning. This capability enhances both the excitation and radiation processes of Raman signals simultaneously, ensuring that the resonance at the excitation wavelength is not affected by the culture medium (the refractive index) and reduces heat generation. Furthermore, the dual Fano resonance modes can synergize with each other to greatly enhance both the amplitude and enhanced range of the Raman signal, providing a stable, reliable, and comprehensive detection tool and strategy for fingerprint signal detection of bioactive samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biology and Medicines)
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10 pages, 3244 KiB  
Article
Study on Electrical and Temperature Characteristics of β-Ga2O3-Based Diodes Controlled by Varying Anode Work Function
by Yunlong He, Baisong Sheng, Xiaoli Lu, Guran Chen, Peng Liu, Ying Zhou, Xichen Wang, Weiwei Chen, Lei Wang, Jun Yang, Xuefeng Zheng, Xiaohua Ma and Yue Hao
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2035; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242035 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 663
Abstract
This study systematically investigates the effects of anode metals (Ti/Au and Ni/Au) with different work functions on the electrical and temperature characteristics of β-Ga2O3-based Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs), junction barrier Schottky diodes (JBSDs) and P-N diodes (PNDs), utilizing Silvaco [...] Read more.
This study systematically investigates the effects of anode metals (Ti/Au and Ni/Au) with different work functions on the electrical and temperature characteristics of β-Ga2O3-based Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs), junction barrier Schottky diodes (JBSDs) and P-N diodes (PNDs), utilizing Silvaco TCAD simulation software, device fabrication and comparative analysis. From the perspective of transport characteristics, it is observed that the SBD exhibits a lower turn-on voltage and a higher current density. Notably, the Von of the Ti/Au anode SBD is merely 0.2 V, which is the lowest recorded value in the existing literature. The Von and current trend of two types of PNDs are nearly consistent, confirming that the contact between Ti/Au or Ni/Au and NiOx is ohmic. A theoretical derivation reveals the basic principles of the different contact resistances and current variations. With the combination of SBD and PND, the Von, current density, and variation rate of the JBSD lie between those of the SBD and PND. In terms of temperature characteristics, all diodes can work well at 200 °C, with both current density and Von showing a decreasing trend as the temperature increases. Among them, the PND with a Ni/Au anode exhibits the best thermal stability, with reductions in Von and current density of 8.20% and 25.31%, respectively, while the SBD with a Ti/Au anode shows the poorest performance, with reductions of 98.56% and 30.73%. Finally, the reverse breakdown (BV) characteristics of all six devices are tested. The average BV values for the PND with Ti/Au and Ni/Au anodes reach 1575 V and 1550 V, respectively. Moreover, although the Von of the JBSD decreases to 0.24 V, its average BV is approximately 220 V. This work could provide valuable insights for the future application of β-Ga2O3-based diodes in high-power and low-power consumption systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research of Conductive Nano-Scale Technology Tailored to Semiconductor Industry)
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16 pages, 5472 KiB  
Article
Optimization for the Process Parameters of Nickel–Titanium Nitride Composites Fabricated via Jet Pulse Electrodeposition
by Xue Guo, Dehao Tian, Chaoyu Li, Xiang Li, Wei Li, Mengyu Cao, Fengwu Zhang and Baojin Wang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2034; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242034 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 614
Abstract
The corrosion resistance of nickel–titanium nitride (Ni/TiN) composites is significantly influenced by the operation parameters during the jet pulse electrodeposition (JPE) process. The effect of current density, jet rate, TiN concentration, and duty cycle impact on the anti-corrosion property of Ni/TiN composites were [...] Read more.
The corrosion resistance of nickel–titanium nitride (Ni/TiN) composites is significantly influenced by the operation parameters during the jet pulse electrodeposition (JPE) process. The effect of current density, jet rate, TiN concentration, and duty cycle impact on the anti-corrosion property of Ni/TiN composites were investigated and optimized using the response surface method (RSM). After the optimization of the operation parameters, the corrosion current of Ni/TiN composites decreased from 9.52 × 10−5 A/cm2 to 4.63 × 10−5 A/cm2. The corrosion current of Ni/TiN composites decreased initially and then increased with an increase in current density, jet rate, TiN concentration, and duty cycle. During the jet electrodeposition process, the influence of the duty cycle on the corrosion current of Ni/TiN composites was comparatively insignificant, whereas the concentration of TiN had a significant effect on the corrosion current. The error rate between the predicted value and the measured result from the corrosion current of Ni/TiN composites was only 0.64%, indicating the high accuracy of fitting the model. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed that the optimized Ni/TiN composites comprised significant Ti content, fine nickel gain, and a compact, smooth structure. In addition, the electrochemical measured results demonstrated that the optimized Ni/TiN composites possessed a low self-corrosion current and high self-corrosion potential. These findings show that the optimized composites have a substantially greater corrosion resistance compared to two other unoptimized Ni/TiN composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposite Materials)
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9 pages, 6116 KiB  
Communication
Influence of Absorber Contents and Temperatures on the Dielectric Properties and Microwave Absorbing Performances of C@TiC/SiO2 Composites
by Yan Wang, Xin Sun, Zhihe Xiao, Jian Gu, Qinyi Dong, Shuhang Yi and Junyang Jin
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2033; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242033 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 563
Abstract
TiC provides a promising potential for high-temperature microwave absorbers due to its unique combination of thermal stability, high electrical conductivity, and robust structural integrity. C@TiC/SiO2 composites were successfully fabricated using a simple blending and cold-pressing method. The effects of C@TiC’s absorbent content [...] Read more.
TiC provides a promising potential for high-temperature microwave absorbers due to its unique combination of thermal stability, high electrical conductivity, and robust structural integrity. C@TiC/SiO2 composites were successfully fabricated using a simple blending and cold-pressing method. The effects of C@TiC’s absorbent content and temperature on the dielectric and microwave absorption properties of C@TiC/SiO2 composites were investigated. The addition of C@TiC from 10 wt.% to 30 wt.% not only endows the composites with a higher dielectric constant and dielectric loss, but also with a greater high-temperature stability in terms of dielectric and microwave absorption properties. The composite with 30 wt.%C@TiC demonstrates a strong microwave absorption capability with a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −55.87 dB, −48.49 dB, and −40.36 dB at room temperature, 50 °C, and 100 °C, respectively; the 50 wt.%C@TiC composite exhibits an enhanced high-temperature microwave absorption performance with an RLmin of −16.13 dB and −15.72 dB at 200 °C and 300 °C, respectively. This study demonstrates that the TiC-based absorbers present an innovative solution for high-temperature microwave absorption, providing stability, versatility, and adaptability in extreme operational environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer and Ceramic Nanocomposites)
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14 pages, 12358 KiB  
Article
Oxygenated VOC Detection Using SnO2 Nanoparticles with Uniformly Dispersed Bi2O3
by Haoyue Yang, Koichi Suematsu, Felipe Hiroshi Mashiba, Ken Watanabe and Kengo Shimanoe
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2032; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242032 - 18 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 561
Abstract
Bi2O3 particles are introduced as foreign additives onto SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) surfaces for the efficient detection of oxygenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Bi2O3-loaded SnO2 materials are prepared via the impregnation method followed by calcination [...] Read more.
Bi2O3 particles are introduced as foreign additives onto SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) surfaces for the efficient detection of oxygenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Bi2O3-loaded SnO2 materials are prepared via the impregnation method followed by calcination treatment. The abundant Bi2O3/SnO2 interfaces are constructed by the uniform dispersion of Bi2O3 particles on the SnO2 surface. The results of oxygen temperature-programmed desorption suggest that Bi2O3-loaded SnO2 samples display improved surface oxygen ions than neat-SnO2 NPs. As a result, the gas sensor based on 1 mol% Bi2O3-loaded SnO2 (1Bi-L-SnO2) composites shows significantly higher sensitivity and a faster response speed toward various oxygenated VOCs compared with SnO2, especially at 200 °C and 250 °C. The results of catalytic combustion and temperature-programmed reaction measurements reveal the dominant role of adsorption and partial oxidation during ethanol combustion on SnO2 and 1Bi-L-SnO2 surfaces. In this case, the improvement in the sensing performance of the 1Bi-L-SnO2 sensor can be associated with the increase in surface oxygen ions at Bi2O3/SnO2 interfaces. The results confirm the significant role of surface functionalization for sensing materials. The obtained outstanding sensing performance provides the potential application for the simultaneous detection of total oxygenated VOCs in practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials in Gas Sensing Applications)
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14 pages, 5507 KiB  
Article
Designing and Optimizing Electrode Materials for Energy Harvesting in CAPMIX Cells
by Belén Lobato, Samantha L. Flores, Lucía dos Santos-Gómez, Ana B. García, Alberto M. Pernía, Miguel J. Prieto, María G. Busto and Ana Arenillas
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2031; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242031 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 739
Abstract
The growing demand for clean, decentralized energy has increased interest in blue energy, which generates power from water with different salt concentrations. Despite its potential as a renewable, low-cost energy source, optimizing electrode materials remains a challenge. This work presents a nanomaterial developed [...] Read more.
The growing demand for clean, decentralized energy has increased interest in blue energy, which generates power from water with different salt concentrations. Despite its potential as a renewable, low-cost energy source, optimizing electrode materials remains a challenge. This work presents a nanomaterial developed via microwave-assisted sol-gel methodology for blue energy applications, where ion diffusion and charge storage are critical. AX-7 carbon, designed for this study, features wide pores, enhancing ion diffusion. Compared to commercial NORIT carbon, AX-7 has a higher mesopore volume and external surface area, improving its overall performance. The synthesis process has been optimized and scaled up for evaluation in CAPMIX electrochemical cell stacks. Moreover, the lower series resistance (Rs) significantly boosts energy recovery, with AX-7 demonstrating superior performance. This advantage is especially evident during fresh-water cycles, where this material achieves significantly lower Rs compared to the commercial one. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy and Catalysis)
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18 pages, 7853 KiB  
Article
Magnetically Controlled Transport of Nanoparticles in Solid Tumor Tissues and Porous Media Using a Tumor-on-a-Chip Format
by Tatiana Zimina, Nikita Sitkov, Ksenia Brusina, Viacheslav Fedorov, Natalia Mikhailova, Dmitriy Testov, Kamil Gareev, Konstantin Samochernykh, Stephanie Combs and Maxim Shevtsov
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242030 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 699
Abstract
This study addresses issues in developing spatially controlled magnetic fields for particle guidance, synthesizing biocompatible and chemically stable MNPs and enhancing their specificity to pathological cells through chemical modifications, developing personalized adjustments, and highlighting the potential of tumor-on-a-chip systems, which can simulate tissue [...] Read more.
This study addresses issues in developing spatially controlled magnetic fields for particle guidance, synthesizing biocompatible and chemically stable MNPs and enhancing their specificity to pathological cells through chemical modifications, developing personalized adjustments, and highlighting the potential of tumor-on-a-chip systems, which can simulate tissue environments and assess drug efficacy and dosage in a controlled setting. The research focused on two MNP types, uncoated magnetite nanoparticles (mMNPs) and carboxymethyl dextran coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles (CD-SPIONs), and evaluated their transport properties in microfluidic systems and porous media. The original uncoated mMNPs of bimodal size distribution and the narrow size distribution of the fractions (23 nm and 106 nm by radii) were demonstrated to agglomerate in magnetically driven microfluidic flow, forming a stable stationary web consisting of magnetic fibers within 30 min. CD-SPIONs were demonstrated to migrate in agar gel with the mean pore size equal to or slightly higher than the particle size. The migration velocity was inversely proportional to the size of particles. No compression of the gel was observed under the magnetic field gradient of 40 T/m. In the brain tissue, particles of sizes 220, 350, 820 nm were not penetrating the tissue, while the compression of tissue was observed. The particles of 95 nm size penetrated the tissue at the edge of the sample, and no compression was observed. For all particles, movement through capillary vessels was observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy: 3rd Edition)
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13 pages, 4920 KiB  
Article
The Preparation of High-Performance MoO3 Nanorods for 2.1 V Aqueous Asymmetric Supercapacitor
by Ziyu Lian, Xiling Mao, Yi Song, Kaihua Yao, Ruifeng Zhang, Xinyu Yan and Mengwei Li
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2029; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242029 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 630
Abstract
In order to broaden the working voltage (1.23 V) of aqueous supercapacitors, a high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor with a working voltage window reaching up to 2.1 V is assembled using a nanorod-shaped molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) negative electrode and an activated carbon (AC) [...] Read more.
In order to broaden the working voltage (1.23 V) of aqueous supercapacitors, a high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor with a working voltage window reaching up to 2.1 V is assembled using a nanorod-shaped molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) negative electrode and an activated carbon (AC) positive electrode, as well as a sodium sulfate–ethylene glycol ((Na2SO4-EG) electrolyte. MoO3 electrode materials are fabricated by adjusting the hydrothermal temperature, hydrothermal time and solution’s pH value. The specific capacity of the optimal MoO3 electrode material can reach as high as 244.35 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. For the assembled MoO3//AC asymmetric supercapacitor with a voltage window of 2.1 V, its specific capacity, the energy density, and the power density are 13.52 F g−1, 8.28 Wh kg−1, and 382.15 W kg−1 at 0.5 A g−1, respectively. Moreover, after 5000 charge–discharge cycles, the capacity retention rate of the device still reaches 109.2%. This is mainly attributed to the small particle size of MoO3 nanorods, which can expose more electrochemically active sites, thus greatly facilitating the transport of electrolyte ions, immersion at the electrolyte/electrolyte interface and the occurrence of electrochemical reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices)
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3 pages, 156 KiB  
Editorial
Moving Toward Biomimetic Tissue-Engineered Scaffolds
by Silvia Baiguera, Lucy Di Silvio and Costantino Del Gaudio
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2028; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242028 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 539
Abstract
Advancing experimental methodologies to accurately replicate the physiological and pathological characteristics of biological tissues is pivotal in tissue engineering [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Moving toward Biomimetic Tissue Engineered Scaffolds)
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